NFC Notes: Commanders, Cowboys, Lions

Commanders

Commanders RB Antonio Gibson said he’s committed to winning next season in order to stop the “backlash” they received last season. 

“We get a lot of backlash on the team,” Gibson said, per Aaron Wilson. “We’re tired of it. We just got to show ’em. We don’t get that talk if we’re winning games, we got to start winning games, and people forget about all that. That’s what we plan on doing.”

• According to Albert Breer, the Commanders have “turned over a lot of rocks on this year’s receiver group.”
• Breer doesn’t expect the Commanders to take a quarterback at No. 11 overall.

Cowboys

• Cowboys CB Kelvin Joseph‘s attorney said that his client was in a vehicle where other passengers fired several gunshots that killed a 20-year-old man in the Dallas area on March 18, per Michael Gehlken and Kelli Smith of the Dallas Morning News.
• Joseph’s attorney indicated that his client was unarmed and did not fire any shots. 
• Dallas police are requesting to interview Joseph about his involvement in the shooting. Surveillance footage shows Joseph and the victim’s groups in an altercation around 1:45 a.m. Soon after the fight, a black SUV drove past the victim’s groups and fired shots. 
• Joseph’s attorney, Barry Sorrels, released the following statement: “Kelvin Joseph did not shoot Cameron Ray. Mr. Ray’s death is a tragedy, and Kelvin extends his deepest condolences for the family’s loss. On the night of March 17, Kelvin was unarmed and was not looking for violence. He found himself in a situation that escalated without his knowledge or consent. Along with condolences to the Ray family, Kelvin apologizes to the Dallas community for being anywhere near this type of incident. The investigation is ongoing, and we intend to respect the process.” 
• The Cowboys also announced that they are aware of the incident: “The Dallas Cowboys are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in Dallas on March 18. First and foremost, our hearts go out to Mr. Ray’s family and loved ones. The organization is aware of Kelvin Joseph’s possible connection to this incident. We are in contact with Dallas law enforcement and have alerted the NFL office. We have no further comment at this time.”

Lions

• According to Jordan Schultz, the Lions are eying North Dakota State WR Christian Watson, Purdue WR David Bell, and Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. as three “speed/playmaking” type receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. 
• Lions DB DeShon Elliott‘s deal with the team is for one year and a maximum value of $3.65 million. (Josina Anderson)
• The Lions have a top 30 visit scheduled with Oklahoma S Delarrin Turner-Yell. (Chris Burke)
• Nebraska CB Cameron Taylor-Britt has a top 30 visit scheduled with the Lions. (Josh Norris)
• East Carolina CB Ja’Quan McMillian has eight total visits, including with the Lions. (Jeremy Fowler)